Mentoring is far more than simply imparting knowledge—it requires a dynamic and adaptable approach. In a successful mentoring relationship, the mentor must seamlessly transition between six essential roles: Role Model, Teacher-Expert, Coach, Guide-Advisor, Patron-Connector, and Peer-Confidant. Each role serves a distinct purpose, from inspiring through example to providing tactical guidance, fostering connections, and offering a trusted space for open dialogue. Effective mentoring is about empowering the mentee to become a self-directed learner, rather than relying solely on instruction. Whether demonstrating leadership, offering strategic advice, or opening doors to new opportunities, skilled mentors understand when to take on each role to maximize impact. By mastering these roles, mentors not only support individual growth but also contribute to broader organizational success.

Character: Sandra B. Henriquez is a principled and integrity-driven leader dedicated to improving housing equity and public service through ethical decision-making and a commitment to social impact. Knowledge: With 50 years of experience in housing, real estate, and public administration, she possesses deep expertise in policy development, asset management, operations, and strategic planning. Strategic: She has successfully led large organizations through transformation by implementing innovative solutions, optimizing operational efficiency, and driving long-term growth in affordable housing and community development. Communication: A skilled communicator and active listener, she effectively engages with stakeholders, board members, and policymakers, ensuring clarity, collaboration, and impactful decision-making.

Aparna Srinivasan is a seasoned technology executive and product strategist with over 25 years of experience driving innovation, business growth, and digital transformation across Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups. With expertise in digital commerce, AI/ML, blockchain, and financial risk analysis, she has successfully led product initiatives generating over $500 million in annual recurring revenue. A visionary leader, Aparna has reported to the C-suite, presented to board members, and co-owned P&L responsibilities, demonstrating her ability to scale businesses, develop market-leading strategies, and foster high-performing teams. Passionate about mentoring women in technology and advocating for STEM education, she is actively seeking board opportunities where she can leverage her expertise in product innovation, financial strategy, and executive leadership to drive meaningful impact.

With a distinguished career spanning five decades, Robert Light has built a legacy as a leader in construction and financial management. Known for his strategic foresight, operational expertise, and commitment to excellence, Robert has consistently delivered transformative results for organizations in the commercial construction industry. From optimizing multimillion-dollar assets to driving operational efficiencies and fostering collaborative teams, his leadership philosophy centers on aligning strategic goals with actionable solutions. As the Principal Consultant at RW Light Consulting, LLC, Robert continues to leverage his unparalleled expertise to empower businesses, enhance profitability, and inspire innovation.

Richard Juman, PsyD, is a transformative healthcare executive with over 40 years of expertise in behavioral health, addiction medicine, and organizational development. A visionary leader, he has spearheaded national initiatives to integrate mental health services into healthcare systems, championed clinician wellness, and driven quality improvement across diverse organizations. As a former president of the New York State Psychological Association and a sought-after speaker, Richard continues to inspire innovation and positive change in healthcare through strategic leadership and mentorship.

The Five-Stage Mentoring Process offers a comprehensive framework for building impactful and sustainable mentoring relationships within organizations. This structured approach emphasizes key stages: grounding and personal foundation, preparation and planning, negotiation and initialization, support and enablement, and closure and celebration. By focusing on intentional relationship-building, effective goal-setting, and continuous feedback, the model empowers both mentors and mentees to maximize growth and achieve measurable success. Organizations implementing this model benefit from improved leadership development, stronger employee engagement, and enhanced knowledge transfer, making it a strategic asset for long-term performance.

Jacob Pretorius is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of global experience spanning industries such as sports technology, renewable energy, and aerospace. Renowned for his expertise in market validation, product development, and commercialization, Jacob has successfully guided products from concept to market while securing funding from both private investors and government sources. A technologist at heart with a keen understanding of business challenges, he has a proven track record of driving innovation, managing product lifecycles, and fostering growth. Fluent in multiple languages and with ties across continents, Jacob brings a strategic and cross-cultural perspective to every endeavor. His passion for mentoring organizations and individuals stems from a desire to share his wealth of knowledge and help others avoid common pitfalls, ensuring a legacy of success and innovation.

Stephanie Lynn Nghiem is an accomplished accounting and finance executive with over 21 years of experience leading financial operations, reporting, and strategic initiatives across diverse sectors. Currently serving as the Vice President of Finance & Accounting at OneAZ Credit Union, she oversees critical financial functions, including the general ledger system, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with GAAP. Throughout her career, Stephanie has demonstrated a unique ability to drive operational efficiencies, such as implementing automation and improving financial processes, while mentoring teams and fostering collaboration. Her extensive background includes leadership roles at American Express, where she managed investment proposals and led the implementation of international financial standards. A licensed CPA in both Arizona and Illinois, Stephanie’s expertise and dedication have positioned her as a trusted leader, and she is now seeking opportunities to leverage her experience on boards and advisory committees to drive meaningful impact.

Alberto Hernandez is an accomplished senior executive with over 20 years of experience leading global operations in healthcare, laboratory diagnostics, and software development. Known for his strategic vision and exceptional leadership, Alberto has successfully streamlined operations, improved efficiency, and developed high-performing teams across diverse industries. From overseeing large-scale laboratory operations at Myriad Genetics to co-founding a successful FinTech startup, his expertise spans both corporate and entrepreneurial environments. Alberto is committed to mentoring and fostering collaboration, drawing from his extensive international experience to guide organizations toward sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Winston Hearn is a seasoned Senior Technical Product Manager with a strong track record of driving innovation in frontend development, web technologies, and API management. With a deep understanding of advertising technology and a focus on accessibility and responsive design, Winston has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead teams in developing impactful, user-centric products. He excels in aligning product strategies with market trends and customer needs, ensuring business growth while maintaining a commitment to fostering inclusive, collaborative environments that empower teams to thrive. His expertise in mentoring and clear communication allows him to effectively bridge technical and non-technical stakeholders, driving projects toward successful outcomes.

Jose Campuzano is a seasoned operations, logistics, and distribution executive with a proven track record of driving business transformation and delivering measurable results. Known for his expertise in optimizing supply chains, leveraging data analytics, and implementing cutting-edge technology, he has consistently improved operational efficiency, boosted revenue, and reduced costs. A visionary leader, Jose excels in fostering high-performance teams and building collaborative environments that inspire innovation. With extensive experience across both for-profit and non-profit sectors, he has successfully led initiatives that resulted in significant growth and positive organizational impact, all while aligning operations with long-term business strategies. His global business acumen and commitment to continuous improvement make him a valuable asset in any dynamic, results-driven environment.

Keaton Turner is an accomplished CEO and founder with over 18 years of experience in the mining and construction industries. Known for his strong character, Keaton is a values-driven leader who places integrity, operational efficiency, and long-term success at the forefront of his leadership approach. He is dedicated to building teams that excel and fostering a collaborative work environment where innovation thrives. With a proven track record in rapidly scaling businesses, Keaton leverages his extensive knowledge in marketing, human resources, and strategic operations to position companies for sustainable growth. A forward-thinking executive, he is adept at navigating complex challenges and driving impactful solutions that lead to measurable results. As a dynamic communicator and keynote speaker, Keaton has a talent for connecting with audiences and mentoring emerging leaders, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Sheri Roder is a highly accomplished executive with a diverse and extensive career spanning several decades. A strategic leader and expert in brand marketing, customer insights, and leadership development, Sheri has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive transformative change within organizations. Her experience spans numerous industries, where she has led marketing teams, advised C-suite executives, and mentored leaders to enhance their impact and drive growth. With a proven track record of success in both entrepreneurial and established corporate settings, Sheri has built a reputation for her strategic vision, innovative solutions, and ability to deliver results in highly competitive markets.

Excited to highlight Theresa Hill, a dynamic leader in workforce transformation and Senior Manager at PwC, where she drives complex projects that create impactful change and align with strategic goals. With over 15 years of experience across consulting and nonprofits, Theresa brings a unique blend of skills in change leadership, data analytics, and organizational design. Her educational background in law and philanthropic studies, coupled with a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, underscores her commitment to operational excellence and ethical leadership. Theresa’s passion for fostering collaborative teams and mentoring others reflects her dedication to creating positive, lasting change.

Steve J. Roesner is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of leadership experience across industries such as manufacturing, composites, and traffic services. With a strong educational foundation, including an M.B.A. from the University of South Dakota, Roesner has driven remarkable growth in every organization he has led. His career highlights include growing sales from $22 million to $85 million at K-Products, doubling revenue to $48 million at Den Hartog Industries, and transforming Quatro Composites from a startup to a $52 million enterprise. Currently, as CEO of Vogel Traffic Services, Roesner continues to drive innovation and growth, expanding sales from $14 million to an estimated $42 million by 2024.

I’m excited to share my journey as a transformational leader, driving growth and operational excellence across diverse industries. With over 25 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of leading under-performing and mature businesses through challenging transitions, delivering significant revenue and profit growth without capital investment. In roles such as Senior Vice President at National Carwash Solutions and CDK Global, as well as my leadership at ADP Dealer Services, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible teams and achieve key results in M&A integration, operational execution, and business development. My passion is creating sustainable change, fostering employee engagement, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. I’m always open to discussing new opportunities, learning, and contributing to business growth and innovation. Feel free to connect if you’d like to exchange ideas or explore future collaborations!